US rig count up by 8 this week

HOUSTON, Texas — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by eight this week to 1,707.

Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that 899 rigs were exploring for gas and 801 for oil. Seven were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, the count was 1,396.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Colorado gained seven rigs, Oklahoma gained five, North Dakota gained four, New Mexico gained three, California gained two and Louisiana and West Virginia each gained one.

Pennsylvania lost 11 rigs, Texas lost five and Arkansas lost one. Alaska and Wyoming were unchanged.

The rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981, the height of the oil boom. The record low of 488 was in 1999.